Musically this is quite the finest "Parsifal" on DVD . . . [Haitink] is dramatic and energetic, giving the whole drama its compelling narrative force, while relaxing and expanding a t suitable moments. Matti Salminen . . . gives his most deeply felt account here, singing the enormous role without any sign of strain: It's the crowning achievement of a lifetime's superb singing. Parsifal is portrayed with conviction and intelligence by Christopher Ventris, matched by Yvonne Naef in the very tricky role of Kundry . . . Michael Volle [Amfortas] is ideal . . . the production never impedes the overwhelming intensity of the relationships between the central characters.

This performance's glories stem from the conductor and the leading bass, each at his peak and lavishing on the proceedings an authority that only artists of the rarest kind can provide . . . His mastery is clear from the first notes of the Prelude, but one is, in fact, overwhelmed throughout the performance by the unaffected expressiveness and sheer beauty of sound that distinguishes Haitink's Wagner . . . Towering in every way about everyone else is Matti Salminen, whose Gurnemanz is first and foremost a treasurable piece of singing. The Finnish bass seemingly uses only a portion of his massive instrument in the first act; when he releases his full power in the Good Friday Spell episode, it utterly stuns the listener. Through total immersion in his role, Salminen truly compels one to heed his character's every utterance. He is completely spontaneous onstage, both kindly and awesomely authoritative as a character, and accomplishing miracles when the staging restricts him to face and voice alone . . . Another exceptional artist is Michael Volle (Amfortas), singing most impressively and projecting, visually and vocally, harrowing emotional devastation. Ventris sings and acts Parsifal with great sensitivity . . . The recorded sound, of splendid clarity, does full justice to Haitink as well as to the principals. DG's booklet includes tracking and a helpful introduction to the production by Richard Evidon.

Record Review /
Roger Pines,
International Record Review (London) / 01. December 2008

The cast is uniformly strong and in good form . . . The orchestra and chorus (who make an amazing sound for so few) find that extra level of shine for their visiting conductor. And many will love this "Parsifal" for that conductor's point of view -- exquisitely played and balanced, wholly civilised, a well groomed Bruckner, with occasional visits from Debussy, in the pit . . . Onstage is a perfectly adequate . . . run-through of the salient points of the drama.